Characteristics of present and future problems and directions in Level 1 and Level 2 packaging are discussed. Research areas are delineated, and problems amenable to attack by universities are suggested. An example of an existing university research program is given. Methods for universities to develop and implement courses in electronic packaging are discussed. A three-course core presently in use is described; this core can be used to provide Electronic Packaging Engineering emphasis in the M.S. programs of a number of different departments. Guidelines are suggested for the development of educational programs in Electronic Packaging Engineering, including use of industrial interactions and video education.

A transient analysis for the avalanche transistor is carried out through the use of a diffusion model described in terms of charge variables. Basically, the current as a function of time is calculated by taking the gradient of the minority carrier charge stored in the base region. Two methods of approximating the distribution of stored charge are described. Good agreement has been obtained between calculated and experimental results; it is found that the rise time for the resistance-load case is about four times that for a capacitance-load case which produces the same peak current. A practical pulse generator circuit is described in which the resistance load takes the form of a delay-line. The performance of this circuit is compared with that of a capacitance-load relaxation oscillator; while the rise time of the former is longer, the pulse shape is more easily controlled.

A design procedure is developed for a new transistor pulse generator circuit suitable for use as a building block in a digital system. The circuit produces a pulse whose shape is relatively independent of variations in transistor parameters and load current. Pulse durations in the range 0.5 microsecond to 20 microseconds and load currents of several hundred milliamperes may be obtained.